Is obsidian smooth as glass?

Is obsidian smooth as glass?

Obsidian (/ˌɒbˈsɪdiən/; /əb-/) is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is an igneous rock….

Does obsidian shatter like glass?

Obsidian breaks with a typical “conchoidal” fracture, like all glass and some other forms of natural rocks. Due to the near absence of mineral crystals in the glass, this smooth, curved form of fracture surface occurs.

Can obsidian break diamonds?

For other uses, see Obsidian (disambiguation). Obsidian is a dark purple block known for its high blast resistance and strength. It is most commonly found when water flows over lava….Obtaining.

Is obsidian a type of glass?

Obsidian is a massive volcanic glass. The term ‘massive’ has several (although related) meanings in geology but here it means that the rock (obsidian is a rock type, not a mineral) is homogenous. It lacks layering, cleavage, foliation, phenocrysts, etc.

How can you tell if Obsidian is real?

Examine the obsidian’s general presence. It has a distinctive appearance of smooth glass. Obsidian is a frozen liquid that contains small amounts of mineral impurities. See the color Because pure obsidian is usually dark, on rare occasions it may also be almost white.

What colors of obsidian can be SW swirling together?

Occasionally two colors of obsidian will be swirled together in a single specimen. The most common color combination is black and brown obsidian swirled together – that’s called “mahogany obsidian” (see photo). As a “glass,” obsidian is chemically unstable.

Why does obsidian have a metallic sheen?

Rarely, obsidian has an iridescent or metallic “sheen” caused by light reflecting from minute inclusions of mineral crystals, rock debris, or gas. These colored specimens are known as “rainbow obsidian,” “golden obsidian,” or “silver obsidian,” depending upon the color of the sheen or iridescence.